Learn about the considerations when implementing a poultry pest management strategy
for fly control in chickens
Most people are familiar with the annoying little fruit and house flies that buzz around their home. But they may not know that there are more than 110,000 fly species1 buzzing around the world. Each species has its unique traits and preferred habitats.
For poultry operations, the common house fly isn’t just a nuisance to birds and workers: flies can also negatively impact food safety and profits. It is estimated that flies cost the U.S. livestock and poultry industry $2 billion in lost profits each year.2 On top of large economic losses, flies can reproduce at a staggering rate and, if not monitored, can quickly go from a small problem to an infestation.
Scientists have calculated that a pair of flies beginning reproduction in April have the potential to reproduce 191 quintillion flies by August2 if not controlled. With this rate of reproduction, house flies can:
- Increase workforce expenses or cause delays to other productivity-related activities due to the extra cleaning costs incurred between flocks to remove the excrement left by flies on equipment and farm facilities.
- Become a public health issue for neighbors.
“Poultry producers can mitigate the impact of flies by following an Integrated Pest Management program,” said Dale Fuller, Elanco insecticide sales representative. “IPM programs use different chemical classes and modes of action to minimize chemical resistance as part of a rotational strategy. When using a rotational strategy for fly control, always remember this: chemical classes, modes of action, application, timing and monitoring.”
Poultry Insecticide Chemical Classes
Most pests, including flies, have developed a resistance to commonly used organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides. The development of insecticide resistance is due to the repeated use of compounds belonging to the same mode of action (MOA). Therefore, an effective rotation strategy alternates between products from different chemical classes and MOA. There are four main chemical classes available for poultry producers to use:
- Pyrethroids: sodium channel modulators that disrupt the normal flow of sodium ions.
- Organophosphates: cholinesterase inhibitors that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine.
- Neonicotinoids: acetylcholine receptor agonists that mimic the action of acetylcholine.
- Spinosyns: allosteric activators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Fly Control for Chickens
When planning a rotational strategy, it’s recommended that chemical class and MOA be rotated every four to six months. This increases the likelihood that products will remain effective into the future, allowing you more choices to combat pests.
Many facilities will use an external spray in conjunction with an insect growth regulator (IGR). This combination is effective because when flies are not laying eggs, they can be found resting around the windows, doors and ceiling areas of poultry barns. When using adulticides, it’s important to apply the spray for half of the fly season. For example, a producer can apply a neonicotinoid for two months and then rotate to a pyrethroid. This rotation schedule will help eliminate the possibility of chemical resistance.
As temperatures and daylight hours begin to increase towards springtime, so does fly activity. From April to October, producers should run their fly control program. Other management tools that can be used to help keep fly populations low all year include:
- Consistent manure clean-out in layer facilities
- Cutting of grass and weeds around buildings
- Proper ventilation
- Persistent biosecurity measures
“Eliminating all pests is an unrealistic goal,” said Fuller. “The adaptability of flies and permanence of manure mean that these insects will never be fully eliminated.”
However, taking the necessary steps to control the fly population on poultry farms helps support bird health and productivity and reduces the health risks to livestock and humans. Proper Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs that include the proper rotation of insecticides, regular monitoring and attention to sanitation are key steps to fly management.
Learn more about the life cycle and behavior of flies, and reach out to your Elanco sales team or distributor to learn about the portfolio of larvicides and adulticides available to help manage fly populations.
Warning: Always read product labels carefully before applying any pesticide; mix and apply as directed, do not overdose, do not treat too often, and follow all precautions exactly. Remember that improper practices can lead to illegal residues even when proper materials are used. It is illegal to use a pesticide in any manner inconsistent with the label.
References:
1 Roeder R. Fly management in animal agriculture systems and impacts on animal health and food safety. Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2022 July]. Available from: https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/14976.
2 Sanchez-Arroyo H, Capinera JL. House fly, musca domestica linnaeus. Featured Creatures. University of Florida [Internet]. 2017. Available from: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/flies/house_fly.HTM.
